The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the compensation and benefits for peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal. Specifically, it allows the state fire marshal to commission peace officers to act as fire and arson investigators and perform other law enforcement duties. The bill mandates that these commissioned officers be compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification salary schedule as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act. Additionally, it expands the definition of "state employee" to include commissioned peace officers of the state fire marshal, thereby ensuring they receive the same benefits as other law enforcement officers.

Furthermore, the bill classifies the position of commissioned peace officer employed as an investigator by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office as a Schedule C position, effective from the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2025. The changes made by this bill are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to injuries occurring on or after that date. The bill aims to provide better support and recognition for the roles of peace officers under the state fire marshal's jurisdiction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 417.006, Government Code 659.301, Government Code 661.918 (Government Code 659, Government Code 661, Government Code 417)